Introduction: In recent years, new tools for the study of molecular biology and genetics have resulted in significant contributions to the scientific community. The potential use of genetic variations as biomarkers in the management of current and future conditions is generating considerable excitement in health care for disorders such as erectile dysfunction (ED).
Aim: This review briefly describes the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in ED and provides an overall view of the literature relevant to possible relationships between genetic factors and ED.
Methods: This is a narrative review of studies on the potential influence of polymorphisms on the risk of developing ED.
Main outcome measure: We reviewed genetic association studies involving polymorphisms and the ED phenotype.
Results: There is growing evidence for the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the risk of ED and on the interindividual variability in sildenafil treatment.
Conclusions: Although this field is still in its infancy, genetic association studies aimed at defining a molecular basis for ED have provided some important evidence that a patient's genotype may be used in the future to assess risk, as well as to plan treatment and prevention programs in the clinic.
© 2011 International Society for Sexual Medicine.